Around the world, manufacturers are trying to reduce their emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These byproducts of solvent-based paints and coatings contribute to smog, accelerate climate change, and harm human health. Unfortunately, existing "end of pipe" solutions don't come cheap.

Chemical engineering researchers at Waterloo are proposing a different approach. Would it be possible to capture and reuse the energy stored in the chemical bonds of VOCs?

According to the model…